A Full Breakdown of K-Pop’s Five Generations

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Plus, the most popular groups in each generation

Co-authored by Anqi Xue and Amy Bobinger, BA

Last Updated: September 30, 2025 Fact Checked

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Generations Overview

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How K-Pop Generations Are Decided

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Idol Training System

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K-pop is divided into generations based on shifts in the industry. Each era is defined by its own characteristics, like unique musical styles, fashion trends, and technological innovations. Want to know more? We’re taking a deep dive into every K-pop generation, plus how they're decided. Let's get started!

What are the K-pop generations?

1st Generation (1992–2003): Seo Taiji & Boys, H.O.T, S.E.S
2nd Generation (2003–2012): TVXQ!, Girl’s Generation, SHINee
3rd Generation (2013–2019): BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE
4th Generation (2019–2023): Stray Kids, ATEEZ, New Jeans
5th Generation (2023–Today): BOYNEXTDOOR, Babymonster, ZB1

Section 1 of 3:

What are the generations of K-pop?

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1
Generation 1 (1992–2003) K-pop was officially born when Seo Taiji and the Boys debuted in 1992, and the phenomenon of K-pop idols started with the debut of H.O.T. in 1996. This generation defined the catchy tunes and synchronized choreography of K-pop as we know it today. The K-pop training system was also developed during this era.^{[1]
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- Musical style: K-pop groups were often heavily influenced by American artists during this generation, and the music was usually either pop ballads or a blend of hip-hop and pop.
- Biggest groups & solo artists: Seo Taiji and Boys, H.O.T., S.E.S., g.o.d., Shinwa, Fin.K.L., Sechs Kies, Rain, Seven
- Popular songs: H.O.T. ”Candy”; Shinwa ”Venus”; g.o.d. ”Observation”; S.E.S. “Paradise”
- Fan engagement: Fans mainly interacted with idols through fan clubs, which were primarily operated through the mail.
- Fashion: Influenced by hip-hop culture; baggy clothes
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Generation 2 (2003–2012) The second generation of K-pop is often called the “Golden Age.” K-pop began to spread outside of Korea, thanks in large part to the rise of social media and streaming platforms.^{[2]
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- Musical style: Groups began experimenting with musical styles like electro-pop, and choreography became more intricate
- Biggest groups & solo artists: BIGBANG, TVXQ!, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, Wonder Girls, SHINee, 2NE1, BoA, f(x)
- Popular songs: TVXQ! “Hug”; SHINee “Lucifer”; Girls’ Generation “Gee”; Super Junior “Sorry, Sorry”; f(x) “Electric Shock”; PSY “Gangnam Style” (this mega-hit bridged the 2nd and 3rd generations)
- Fan engagement: Idols became more accessible through early social media, world tours, and television appearances. Groups also began offering merchandise like collectible trading cards and promotional light sticks, which were used to identify fans at concerts.
- Fashion: Cutesy looks, schoolgirl uniforms and experimental, colorful styles
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Generation 3 (2013–2019) The third generation saw K-pop explode internationally. BTS was particularly successful, but a number of groups were able to break into worldwide markets. Entertainment companies began investing more heavily in production quality during this era.^{[4]
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- Musical style: The music began to be influenced by a variety of genres, including techno and rock.
- Biggest groups & solo artists: BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, GOT7, EXO, Monsta X, Seventeen, Red Velvet, NCT, Wanna One, Gfriend
- Popular songs: BTS “Idol”; Red Velvet “Bad Boy” ; EXO “Growl”; BLACKPINK “BOOMBAYAH”
- Fan engagement: Fans had unprecedented access to idols through social media, including chances to interact with their favorite idol (or “bias”). Companies began producing “Survival” shows where K-pop idols were chosen.
- Fashion: Styles became more experimental, and some groups started choosing unique looks for each member
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Generation 4 (2019–2023) The fourth generation of K-pop is marked by an increased focus on international audiences. The COVID pandemic also helped bring an explosion in digital content, including online concerts and new platforms. This is a highly competitive generation, with only the best talent making the cut.^{[5]
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- Musical style: The fourth generation of K-pop featured continued experimentation with genres like EDM, hip-hop, and even classical.
- Biggest groups & solo artists: Stray Kids, Ateez, ITZY, TXT, (G)I-dle, The Boyz, Aespa, Enhypen, New Jeans, Le Sserafim
- Popular songs: ATEEZ “Guerrilla”; aespa “Next Level”; Stray Kids’ “God’s Menu”; New Jeans “OMG”
- Fan engagement: Social media engagement and digital content continued to expand K-pop’s fan base, and groups worked to expand their appeal to worldwide audiences.
- Fashion: This generation saw the rise of luxury brands endorsing K-pop. Fashion became more experimental and daring, and it became more acceptable for idols to show off their unique styles.
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Generation 5 (2023–Today) There’s some debate about whether the 5th K-pop generation has already started, but most people date it to about 2023. This generation is still pretty young, so it remains to be seen what the defining characteristics will be. Notably, songs seem to have a happier, nostalgic sound. Also, more groups are expanding membership to talent from around the world—meaning K-pop will continue to be increasingly international.
- Biggest groups & solo artists: BOYNEXTDOOR, ZEROBASEONE (ZB1), Babymonster, Xikers, ILLIT, RIIZE
- Popular songs: Babymonster “Sheesh”; BOYNEXTDOOR “Earth, Wind, & Fire”; ILLIT “Magnetic”; ZB1 “Iconik”
- Musical style: There’s a strong focus on simple, catchy tunes with the potential to go viral.
- Fan engagement: New groups use social media to build a fan base before ever debuting a song. Idols often participate in social media dance challenges and other events.
- Fashion: Y2K aesthetics are popular right now in K-pop. Professional makeup artist Anqi Xue adds, “When it comes to current K-pop makeup, it’s all about flawless, glowy skin. Colored contacts are also big right now.”^{[6]
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Section 2 of 3:

How K-Pop Generations Are Decided

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K-pop generations are usually decided by fans and industry leaders. As new waves of K-pop groups emerge, fans and entertainment companies gradually begin referring to them as the next wave. Over time, that designation will take hold, becoming “official” once most fans, production companies, and media outlets come to a consensus.
- Unlike Western music, which is usually divided by decades, K-pop generations don't necessarily go by years. Instead, they represent shifts in the K-pop industry, like changes in the predominant musical sound or how fans and idols interact.
- Not everyone agrees on how the generations are divided up, so you'll sometimes see them listed with different years. There's also a debate within the K-pop community about whether the 5th generation has started.
- Generations are often marked by when a defining group was formed. For example, BTS was created in 2013, which is when Gen 3 is usually considered to have started.

Section 3 of 3:

What is the idol training system?

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Entertainment companies train young talent before debuting them as part of a group. These idols-in-training (or “trainees”) hone their singing and dancing skills, and they’re often trained in languages like English and Japanese to prepare them for media appearances.^{[7]
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- The training system was originally developed by SM Entertainment in the first K-pop generation, and now it’s a widespread part of the K-pop industry.
- The process of selecting trainees is often broadcast via television shows—fans vote on and campaign for their favorites, helping them feel more invested in future K-pop stars.
- The Big 3 are a group of entertainment companies that have been producing K-pop idols since the first generation: SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment.